Auditions For “Dracula”
Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of “Dracula”, written by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston and directed by Michael Edan. “Dracula” is an iconic supernatural thriller about a powerful and sophisticated vampire seeking new opportunity for feeding on victims blood just outside of London and being hunted by a specialist in the field.
AUDITIONS: Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00pm and Thursday, June 8 at 7:00pm
CALLBACKS: Friday, June 9 at 7:00pm (by invitation only)
PERFORMANCES: Friday, September 8 thru Saturday, October 7 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with possible Wednesday and Thursdays)
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The story of one of mankind’s most evil villains, Count Dracula. Lucy Seward, daughter of the physician in charge of a sanatorium is mysteriously anemic. Doctor Van Helsing, a specialist in obscure diseases, suspects a vampire. Renfield, a patient, is also caught in Dracula’s web of fear
CAST REQUIREMENTS: (2 Women, 6 Men, 8 ensemble roles. (Note re: accents. With the exception of Miss Wells, Butterworth and possibly Renfield, actors will not be using the standard British accent for this production, rather, more of a ‘Transatlantic Accent’ commonly used in movies of the 40’s and 50’s. Dracula’s accent while ‘unique’ will not be Transylvanian.)
Miss Wells: 20’s. Household maid. Attractive, vulnerable, also capable of a quick jibe when needed. Susceptible to hypnosis via mental telepathy. Possibly an Irish accent.
Jonathan Harker: A young man in his mid to late 20’s; handsome, sincere, with a tendency toward a direct manner, incisive, excitable, and at times passionate.
Dr. Seward: 50 – 60. Lucy’s father. An alienist; intelligent. As a specialist he lives in a world of textbooks and patients. Relies on rational and scientific concepts. Not prone to mysticism but because of his professional field secretly fascinated with that which cannot be explained. Not a man of action but sincere and dedicated.
Van Helsing: 50 – 65. Astute, speaks a dozen languages, strong presence, often direct and forceful. He also can display, as with Lucy, a charming, grandfatherly demeanor. He has seen many things difficult to explain that mainstream science rejects. A formidable opponent for Dracula. Possibly a subtle Dutch accent.
Renfield: Could be late 20’s to 50, physically on the slender side. A mentally disturbed patient at the sanatorium. Disheveled, physically and mentally agile, shifts of emotional affect can occur rapidly, biting sense of humor, sometimes creepily disarming, other times vulnerable and frightened, and occasionally lucid. Should be able to move well.
Butterworth: 30’s to mid 40’s. Attendant at the sanatorium. Good natured but a bit bungling, gullible, likes to flirt, constantly losing track of Renfield. Lower class Cockney accent.
Lucy: 20’s. Attractive, pale, and physically anemic, yet a sense of her natural exuberance for life is still present but subdued. She possesses Intelligence, a pure heart, and a natural quality of grace. As she falls victim to Dracula a more bold, independent, fierce, and sexual demeanor presents itself.
Count Dracula: 45 to 55. A man of distinct and potent presence. On the tall side, physically fit and agile. A mixture of charm, sophistication, keen intelligence, wit, sensuality, power, and a subtle quality of underlying danger that men can find unsettling, and women might find enticing. Oh … and he likes to drink blood.
Note: A pdf of the play is available on the Elmwood website for reading for members. A hard copy of the script can also be obtained on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Dracula-Hamilton-Deane/dp/0573608229/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NGQVXXRI8942&keywords=dracula+play+by+bram+stoker+dramatized+by+hamilton+deane&qid=1683480967&sprefix=dracula+play+by+bram+stokerdramatized+by+hamilton+deane%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-1
Sides for auditions listed below via page numbers in the script.
Side 1: Seward, Van Helsing, Renfield, Maid, Attendant (pages 13 – 16)
Side 2: Maid, Seward, Dracula, Lucy, Harker, Van Helsing (pages 22 to middle page 25)
Side 3: Seward, Van Helsing, Harker (pages 26 to middle of page 30)
Side 4: Maid, Attendant (pgs 34 to middle of page 37)
Side 5: Seward, Van Helsing, Renfield (pages 44 and 45)
Side 6: Dracula, Van Helsing (pages 48 thru 50)
Side 7: Lucy, Harker (bottom of page 61 to bottom of page 63)
Side 8: Lucy, Van Helsing, Harker, Seward (bottom of page 64 to top of page 66)
Side 9: Dracula, Van Helsing, Seward, Harker (pages 67 & 68)
Regarding Conflicts: All actors invited to call backs will note on provided calendar sheets definite conflict dates for rehearsals. Rehearsal dates listed are probable and may change depending on listed conflicts with actors. In some instances, Friday evening or Sunday late afternoon rehearsals will be required. Please be flexible in your availability. It’s IMPORTANT that actors be available for rehearsals from August 21st up to opening night. Tech Sunday will be 9/3 Labor Day Weekend. All actors MUST be at the Sunday tech rehearsal.
Thank you for auditioning at Elmwood Playhouse and sharing your talent. We look forward to seeing you.
Sides from the script will be made available at the audition. All roles available. Casting is open to all ethnicities and races. Newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the event. Visit https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/covid19 to read the theater’s current COVID policies and safety measures. For more information or directions, call 845-353-1313 or visit https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/auditions
